How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in the Virgin Islands

The cost of building a house in the Virgin Islands is typically more expensive than building it in the mainland. The reason for this is that most of the materials needed for construction are imported from the mainland and this increases the overall cost of building a house in the Virgin Islands.

The average cost of building a house in the Virgin Islands is $250 per square foot. This includes labor and material costs, but does not include sales tax or permits. However, this number can vary significantly depending on which part of the island you build your home on and what kind of house you want to build.

Since most people build their homes on lots that have been subdivided into smaller lots, you will have to pay property taxes on your lot as well as any improvements made to it such as sidewalks and driveways. The property taxes are typically around $6 per $1000 worth of property value per year for residential lots, although this rate varies depending on where your lot is located within its particular subdivision

🏡 Cost to Build a Custom Home in the US Virgin Islands

St. Thomas
Standard custom homes (masonry) start at around $250–$300/sq ft, depending on materials and finishes

Expect $400+/sq ft for average masonry builds, with permits, engineered foundations, and cisterns factored in

Median listing price for homes is around $621K, reflecting that cost range

St. Croix
Building costs here typically fall between $275–$400/sq ft—with simpler builds near the low end and higher-end homes reaching $400/sq ft


Conventional (concrete) home construction is cited as expensive—$350–$450/sq ft


📦 Prefab & Modular Homes
Prefabricated (steel-frame) homes are increasingly popular:

They’re quicker and more budget-friendly, controlling labor and material costs .

These modular options comply with local hurricane and seismic codes.

Historic quotes suggest a 475 sq ft prefab kit costs $83K–$97K plus site work ($162K–$191K for ~1,132 sq ft)

. These small kit homes are well under traditional build costs.

🗺️ What Affects Total Cost?
Materials & labor must be imported—higher shipping fees and delays.

Masonry construction is more expensive but offers better hurricane resistance.

Foundation needs such as cisterns (~10% of total cost) and engineered footings add to expenses.

Permitting and design fees—architect and engineer plans are mandatory.

Building Codes in the Virgin Islands

In most cases, it is illegal to build a home without following local building codes and regulations. If you live in the USVI, there are specific codes that must be followed when building your new home. These include:

The International Residential Code (IRC) – This code applies to most single-family homes and multi-family units with up to four units on each level (two floors). An important part of this code includes ensuring that all electrical wiring and plumbing meets state standards before being used by occupants or guests of your home. The IRC also covers how fire suppression systems work within buildings, how doors swing open and shut, how windows open and close, etcetera.